Grade 11 students in P.E.I. are being encouraged to apply for a two-year pre-university program in British Columbia.
Pearson College UWC (United World College) features up to 200 students from close to 130 countries.
Students live and study in the Pacific Northwest rainforest on the southwestern tip of Vancouver Island.
“Hearing a former Pearson College student speak about their incredible experience when I was in Grade 7 inspired me to apply,’’ said Jill Chapman, a recent graduate of the school. “Now, it’s my turn to encourage others as Pearson was a lifechanging way for me to finish high school.’’
Nina Moroso of the UWC National Committee of Canada for Pearson College also encourages P.E.I. Grade 11 students to apply to attend Pearson next year, saying Island students need to apply by Nov. 15.
Moroso says successful applicants tend to be academically strong students who have shown leadership in activities and community service.
“Applicants are usually interested in global issues and many have talents in areas such as art and music and other creative pursuits and, often, a keen interest in exploring the outdoors,’’ Moroso said. “Many become fearless international representatives of change.’’
Moroso adds students like Chapman discover there are many Canadian role models who attend UWC’s, including federal Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland and new appointed Gov.-Gen. Julie Payette, both graduates.
“At Pearson, I discovered human rights as a passion, and now I am pursuing international studies in France,’’ Chapman said. “I am working on my undergraduate degree at Sciences Po in Reims, France. Becoming a human rights lawyer would be one of my goals.’’
Moroso encourages Island students to check out their website at www.ca.uwc.org to find out more.
Scholarships are available to attend Pearson College and the other 16 UWCs.
